Jackson County 911 implements emergency medical dispatching (EMD)

Friday

Sep 28, 2012 at 4:15 PM

On September 4, 2012, the Jackson County 911 Center started a new program called EMD which is required by the state to be on-line by July 1, 2013. Planning sessions, review of programs for EMD, training of personnel and conducting trial periods to work out any technological problems has come to a close.

On September 4, 2012, the Jackson County 911 Center started a new program called EMD which is required by the state to be on-line by July 1, 2013. Planning sessions, review of programs for EMD, training of personnel and conducting trial periods to work out any technological problems has come to a close.
Since September 4, 911 telecommunicators (dispatchers) have been using a systematic approach to process medical calls for service. Telecommunicators are trained to quickly and properly determine the nature and priority of the call, dispatch the appropriate response, and then provide the caller instructions to help treat the patient until the responding EMS units arrive.
Jackson County’s EMD programs is provided by APCO Institute (Association of Public Safety Communication Officials International). Many WV counties are using this program to dispatch medical calls.
EMD is a comprehensive program hat requires the completion of several sequential steps and procedures and vigilance in ensuring the process is completed in a timely fashion. The process will take three to six months to be fully implemented. When a 911 call is received for a medical emergency, the Telecommunicator will ask several questions the require a response. All citizens are encouraged to answer the questions to the best of their ability.
During the recent review process since implementation, the Jackson County Center EMD average score is 96.4%. Ninety (90) percent opr better has to be maintained through APCO. Jackson County EMS has received credit for state rating as a result of implementing EMD.
The Jackson County Commission approved the implementation of the program for compliance to the state mandate. “Jackson County 911 continues to reach our and serve the interests of its citizens by providing the best programs and services. The Commission is pleased that another milestone has been reached in serving the citizens,” said Joe Pitts, president of the County Commission. Commissioners Tommy Nutter and Dick Waybright concurred with Pitts’ assessment.

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